Michael Jackson gig promoter to confirm O2 Arena tribute gig 'this week'

Michael Jackson's London O2 Arena gig promoter Randy Phillips says he is "confident" that a tribute gig for the singer, who died in June, will take place at the venue in the near future.

Phillips, who is the chief executive of promoters AEG Live, says he is in a race against time to make a final decision on the concert in order for it to be able to take place on August 29 – the date of the singer's birthday.

"The number one item I’m discussing is presenting 'This Is It' the production, hopefully with the Jackson's and maybe Janet, and other artists," he told BBC 6 Music.

"We have to make some hard decisions this week otherwise it will be too late to even contemplate doing anything on August 29."

Phillips added that the performance is likely to be broadcast on television around the world.

He said: "What we're thinking about is one massive tribute that's broadcast around the globe. We've opted to go to broadcast television, either cable/satellite, or traditional broadcast."

The promoter also revealed that he is keen to start selling official copies of the memorial booklet that was given to fans at Jackson's funeral in Los Angeles, which was also promoted by AEG Live.

"We're getting a huge demand for this beautiful memorial book. They're going for $400 or $500 bids for the few books that are on the internet," he explained.

Furthermore, Phillips responded to calls for AEG Live to reimburse local authorities in Los Angeles for the cost of Jackson's funeral policing arrangements, which are estimated to have topped £900,000.

He stated: "[If] someone of this fame dies, do you not give them a proper funeral in the city of Los Angeles? Frankly if you're asking me as an individual I think the city should cover these costs.

"No one planned on Michael dying; he died here and his family was here and he lived most of his life here. We [AEG Live] may contribute some, we're not sure what the appropriate thing is to do."